280 rebuild?

[mbrien]

I have a 280 offshore on a Gambler Bass Boat. I don't use it as a race boat, but it's nice to have the power back there when I like to let it go. I run 99% of the time at less than 6000rpm's. I've heard that the 280's need rebuilding at ~150 hours? Can someone tell me if this is true and if so; does it pertain more to the 280's that are used for racing?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Thanks,<o:p></o:p>

[Jay Smith]

No I find that recreational 280's need to be rebuilt on or before 150 HRS , people that abuse them will need to rebuild sooner..

my .02

[mbrien]

Jay,

When I get to 150hrs. Should I have it rebuilt even if the compression and leak down is good? What would be the determining factor for a rebuild?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Thanks,<o:p></o:p>
Mark

[Jay Smith]

Mark,
You have a premium engine and it would be a shame to cost yourself an additional $750.00 + freight ( and time off the water ) over and beyond a standard rebuild because of neglect. You have a ECU that can be tapped into for information and a history of the run rpms and time on that engine I would utilize it and querry that for a determination of when to rebuild. 280's begin to eat themselves up VERY quickly when these standardized run times are ignored.

I also would NOT feel comfortable running one ( Any 3 1/2" bored Mercury engine ) that has the factory side pinned pistons, I have several 280 blocks in my scrap pile that were a total loss ( block, crank, several rods, reeds, and injectors ) form ignoring what has been proven over the years to be a bad actor ran in these engines.

Have a great day,

[mbrien]

Thanks Jay,
I appreciate your reply and advice!

[mbrien]

Jay,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
Considering no damage has occurred to the motor, what is typically done on a standard rebuild?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p>Thanks,</o:p>
<o:p>Mark</o:p>

[Jay Smith]

Block prepped ( cleaned and honed ) for the instillation of new rings ( MUST GO TOGETHER WITH SOME SORT OF TOP PINNED PISTON or I won't build the engine), bearings, injectors cleaned and serviced, ALL gaskets "O" rings and seals, new reed valves and new spark plugs changed.

Assyembled by me ran on our stand for 1 hour, heads retorqued , compression tests and leak down test done, ECU set , TPI set, cleaned with 200 lbs of acetone to factory new, shrink wrapped ,crated and shipped with all injector information from Brucato with our break in suggestions furnished , 1 tee shirt 2 decals ... Done deal.

Normal turn over time ( other than the injector work at the vendor ) 2 days IF you have got into our system before engine arrived...

Jay

[mbrien]

Thank You Jay,

[mbrien]

Jay, I appreciate all your information. Considering there's no damage, can you give me a ball park figure on a standard rebuild not counting shipping.
Thanks,

[Jay Smith]

Ball Park... $2500.00 USD ish

Jay

[mbrien]

Thanks Jay,